As many of you know, I have been battling some pretty severe pain and inflammation issues the past couple of months. By last week I felt like I needed to hip replacements and a knee replacement too. I saw my doctor who ordered some blood tests which finally exposed the mystery of my malady and prayerfully will allow me to receive the proper treatment so I get better, fast.

As it turns out, a little critter unbeknownst to me had decided it wanted some of that special B2Y blood. Yes, a tiny Lone Star Tick carrying a disease called “Ehrlichiosis” stuck on me long enough to infect me with this disease. Similar to “Lyme Disease”, it is easily treated with antibiotics and the main symptom is incredible pain in the joints and surrounding muscles.

When I think about the unbelievable pain and discomfort I have gone through recently and then find out it all came via a little tick, I am both angry as well as in awe of how this stuff all works. One tiny little tick can lay low a giant with just one bite. One tiny tick can secretly transmit a disease and escape unharmed and unidentified.

The question of course is why God didn’t just blow the tick away. That is, of course, a question reserved for another life since I do not have the answer right now. Some might say the tick bite was punishment for all the horrible things B2Y writes. Some might say the tick bite was B2Y getting what he deserved for being uncaring, unhelpful and unloving.

I believe we all have things come up in our lives that “just happen”. Every incident that takes place does not necessarily have some spectacular spiritual significance. Sometimes things just happen that are out of our realm to control. It is not a sin that I got bitten by a tick nor is it indicative of my being a weak believer etc.

There was a time in my life I would have either gotten very angry or very depressed over the news I found out yesterday. But, now that I am older and wiser, instead of being mad at my doctor, I am thankful he ordered an obscure blood test that spotted what I had. Instead of getting depressed I am filled with joy and thanksgiving because I know in a few short weeks I will feel good again.

We all face setbacks, unpleasant diagnosis of maladies etc in our lives. In fact, the Bible says that “many are the afflictions of the righteous”. Of course the Bible also says “but the Lord delivers them out of them all!”

I do not look forward to the treatment I must endure the next two weeks, but I can handle it for I have complete faith that “at the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark”. Thank you for all your prayers.